ISIS-K’s Financial & Logistical Capabilities Have Increased, Says UN Official

Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, told the organisation’s Security Council on Thursday that in the past six months, the "financial and logistical capabilities of ISIS-Khorasan" have improved.

Voronkov added that the group has increased its efforts to recruit more members.

He warned that a large part of Africa could fall under the control of ISIS and its affiliated branches.

Voronkov emphasised that ISIS-Khorasan, by claiming responsibility for attacks in various parts of the world, has demonstrated its intent for international attacks.

ISIS-K is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The UN Security Council reported that ISIS-K has infiltrated the Taliban's security institutions and is expanding its influence into Central Asia.

According to the Council's assessment, the Taliban have been unable to control and contain ISIS. The Taliban have stated that the group is not a threat to Afghanistan.

Voronkov told the Security Council that ISIS branches have expanded and consolidated their operational areas in West Africa and the Sahel region.

He added that if their influence continues to grow, a vast territory from Mali to northern Nigeria could fall under their control.

The UN Under-Secretary said that in parts of Mozambique, Somalia, and Congo, there has been a significant increase in terrorist attacks, resulting in the deaths of many civilians.